Sydney Sweeney Soars Above Back-To-Back Box Office Flops With New Career Milestone

By Afouda Bamidele on October 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM EDT

Sydney Sweeney at NY Premiere of Apple TV "Echo Valley"
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Sydney Sweeney is flying high again after snagging the Achievement in Acting Award at the Hamptons International Film Festival. 

The viral actress had recently faced back-to-back box office flops and even stirred backlash over her American Eagle ad campaign.

But with Sydney Sweeney's dramatic transformation into former boxer Christy Martin earning Oscar buzz, the award signals a turning point that could push her beyond controversy.

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Sydney Sweeney Shines With Acting Award After Rough Year

Sydney Sweeney at the Toronto International Film Festival In Toronto, Canada
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

The actress arrived at the Hamptons International Film Festival in a sharp white blazer mini dress layered with a sheer tulle skirt, matched with Jimmy Choo heels.

She was there to receive the Achievement in Acting Award for her role in "Christy." Later, she slipped into sneakers to let loose and enjoy the afterparty.

Sweeney's big win comes on the heels of a bumpy year, where she faced two back-to-back box office disappointments and widespread criticism over her American Eagle ad campaign.

The Daily Mail noted that despite the noise, Sweeney looked genuinely thrilled at the festival, smiling brightly as she clutched her crystal trophy. Sharing snapshots on Instagram, she thanked the festival for recognizing her work and expressed pride in the film. 

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The 'Euphoria' Star's Boxing Biopic Sparks Oscar Buzz

Before receiving her award, Sweeney's upcoming film "Christy" was already stirring excitement, with insiders saying it could be the project that turns the tide after a rocky year.

The Blast reported that audience testing for the Black Bear Pictures biopic scored exceptionally high, with viewers blown away by Sweeney's transformation and performance. 

Her dedication went far beyond the surface as she gained 40 pounds to physically embody former champion boxer Christy Martin and reportedly delivered a portrayal that some believe could lead to her first Oscar nomination.

Sources also added that fans at the screening connected deeply with her raw delivery, praising her for fully capturing the grit and heart of Martin's story. 

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The TV Personality Skipped Emmys Parties As Cold Shoulder Rumors Swirl

Even with her career on an upswing, it seems her peers may not share the same enthusiasm. Sweeney may have been one of the brightest names at the Emmys, but her low-key night sparked fresh speculation.

Although she took the stage to present an award, fans noticed she was not mingling with colleagues backstage and left without attending any of the afterparties.

The Blast highlighted that Sweeney explained her quick exit by saying she had an early filming schedule the next day, but the move fueled rumors about where she stands in the industry.

Reports note that her absence raised eyebrows, with some questioning if the entertainment world is quietly freezing her out over her rumored political leanings.

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One X user even went viral, claiming Hollywood deliberately ignored her, pointing to anti-MAGA remarks in several speeches throughout the night. 

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The Actress Received Backlash Over A Controversial Jeans Ad

If the rumored snub is not tied to her alleged Republican registration, it may be linked to the American Eagle jeans ad she took part in. In the campaign, Sweeney played on the word "genes" as a pun for "jeans," but what was meant to be lighthearted quickly drew sharp reactions online. 

One clip showed her in front of a sign that read, "Sydney Sweeney has great genes," with "genes" crossed out and replaced with "jeans."

Another video featured the 28-year-old saying, "Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality, and even eye color. My jeans are blue."

Instead of landing as clever, the ads sparked claims that they carried unsettling racist undertones with comparisons to Nazi propaganda.

Sydney Sweeney Sparks Serious Romance Buzz With Scooter Braun

Beyond her on-screen roles and ad appearances, Sweeney is also drawing attention for her romance with Braun. The pair appear to be past being casual as insiders claim things between them have quickly turned serious.

The Blast shared that whispers of their budding relationship grew louder after the pair stepped out together at Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights in Los Angeles. They were not alone as Sweeney's parents, Lisa and Steven, tagged along, with security and tour guides rounding out the group.

Photos published by the Daily Mail showed Sweeney and the music manager cozying up in public, confirming speculation with a rare display of affection. Sources say the two are in constant contact and see each other frequently, calling their connection "hot and heavy."

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With this award, Sydney Sweeney is successfully shifting the spotlight from public controversy back to her acting talent.

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